§ Mr. LevittTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on Britain's relations with Cuba. [12763]
§ Mr. Tony LloydWe have normal diplomatic relations with Cuba and support normal trade relations in civil goods and services. UK firms are encouraged to exploit the growing civil market opportunities which arise as Cuba undergoes a process of economic liberalisation. We continue to urge the Cuban Government to reach an early settlement of outstanding debt to ECGD and UK firms.
We and EU partners share the goal of a peaceful transition to democracy in Cuba. We favour constructive engagement not isolation. The EU adopted a common position on Cuba on 2 December 1996, reaffirming the EU's commitment to promoting political, economic and human rights reform in Cuba. This was presented to the Cuban Government on 21 July and we look forward to furthering this dialogue.